Where to Take the Kids in July

America's Best Beach Vacations with Kids

Does your family need a dose of vitamin sea? An early-summer trip to the beach is never a bad idea. Here's a coast-to-coast guide to America's best family beach destinations, from the sunny Southeast to the Golden State and beyond.

New England's Most Epic Fourth of July Celebrations

Looking for a fabulous place to spend July 4th weekend? Unsurprisingly, the historic towns and cities of New England celebrate Independence Day in a big way, with parades, family-friendly events and, of course, lavish fireworks displays. Here's a selection of destinations that promise the biggest, best and most charming celebrations in the Northeast. 

America's Best All-Inclusive Resorts for Families

It's a myth that you need to go to the Caribbean or Mexico to find a fantastic all-inclusive resort. Click through this slideshow for wonderful, kid-friendly resorts right here in the US where taking advantage of all-inclusive pricing does not require a passport.

America's Best Water Parks

Whether you prefer to float down a lazy river, splash in a wave pool, or zoom down water slides and speed coasters, there's a water park where your family can cool off in style. Here are state-by-state guides to water parks in these US regions:

• Best Water Parks in the Northeast
• Best Water Parks in the Southeast
• Best Water Parks in the South
• Best Water Parks in each US State

Kids Stay and Eat Free at Mohonk Mountain House

During select midweek dates in June and July, the family favorite Mohonk Mountain House, located about two hours north of New York City, runs its most sought-after deal of the year. All-inclusive rates include accommodations, three meals daily, resort activities and summer special events—and kids age 12 and under stay and eat free. This offer is available about 10 days in June and 25 days in July.

Kids Stay Free at Tanque Verde Ranch

Kids stay free at Tanque Verde Ranch in Tucson between mid May and early September. All-inclusive pricing includes lodging, three meals a day, horseback trail rides and lessons, fishing, guided hikes, nature walks, and a supervised children's program for ages 4-11.

Chincoteague Island with Kids

Accessible by boat or by car off Virginia's Eastern coast over the Route 175 bridge, the small and serene Chincoteague Island is the gateway to the Assateague Island National Seashore—a nature refuge that is home of the herds of wild ponies made famous in the classic children's book "Misty of Chincoteague." If you want to witness the famous annual pony swim and roundup, you need to visit in late July. But Chincoteague and its sister island, Assateague, are very special any time of year.

National Park Vacations with Kids

Called "America's best idea" by the historian Wallace Stegner, our national park system offers families a wonderfully affordable way to visit our most cherished and beautiful landscapes, view wildlife in their natural habitat, learn about geological and cultural history, and appreciate the great outdoors.